Torpedo exploder mechanism

ABSTRACT

1. A torpedo exploder comprising, in combination, a base unit having bores therein, hydrostatically controlled switch means disposed in one of said bores, inertia actuated firing means disposed in another of said bores, a control unit detachably secured to said base unit, motor means within said control unit, gear means driven by said motor means, and an arming device detachably secured to said control unit, a rotor provided with detonators within said arming device and adapted to be moved to an armed position in response to movement of the gear means, said hydrostatically controlled switch means and said inertia actuated firing means being included in a circuit supplying an electrical charge to said detonators.

Dinsmoor 1March 13, 1973 1 1 TORPEDO EXPLODER MECHANISM [75] Inventor: Theodore E.

Spring, Md.

[73] Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy 22 Filed: March 14,1952 [21] Appl.No.: 276,707

Dinsmoor, Silver [52] 0.8. C1 ..102/l6, 102/70.2 R, 102/81 [51] Int. Cl. ..F42c 15/08 [58] Field of Search ..102/70.2, 81, 81.2, 86, 16, 102/16 T, 76

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 996,412 6/1911 Jones ..102/l6 T 1,370,193 3/1921 Crocker... ....102/16 UX 1,681,390 8/1928 Bold ..l02/86 X 2,468,120 4/1949 Senn ..lO2/70.2

Primary Examiner-S. M. Engle Att0rneyG. V. Rubens and R. F. Hassfeld EXEMPLARY CLAIM l. A torpedo exploder comprising, in combination, a base unit having bores therein, hydrostatically controlled switch means disposed in one of said bores, inertia actuated firing means disposed in another of said bores, a control unit detachably secured to said base unit, motor means within said control unit, gear means driven by said motor means, and an arming device detachably secured to said control unit, a rotor provided with detonators within said arming device and adapted to be moved to an armed position in response to movement of the gear means, said hydrostatically controlled switch means and said inertia actuated firing means being included in a circuit supplying an electrical charge to said detonators.

11 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PATENTEUMARUISH 7 9,155

SHEET 10F 5 FIG.1.

FIG.2.

I0 I07 I07 INVENTOR T. E. DINSMOOR .w ATTORNEYS FIG.3.

INVENTOR T. E. DINSMOOR 4R .MA. \r: ATTORNEYS PATENTEUHAR 1 3191s SHEET 30F 5 FIG.5.

- LIL 9 a H r W I. 4 U I. ohm 8 M 3 L1 \lllkm 5 3 INVENTOR T E. DINSMOOR BY WW 4%. $6M Ammm PATENTEDMAR13|975 ,7 0,1 5

FIG]. 5 7 59 4s INVENTOR T E. DINSMOOR R M. \L-iJM ATTORNEYS PATENTEQHAR 1 21m SHEET 5 0F 5 FlG.l3.

INVENTOR T. E. DINSMOOR QG 6; BY RAM.

AT'T( )RNEYS TORPEDO EXPLODER MECHANISM The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

This invention relates to an exploder mechanism for a torpedo and in particular to a torpedo exploder which is readily adaptable to all types of launching and which is provided with numerous safety features.

Heretofore, the type of launching contemplated for the torpedo dictated the complete design of the exploder. Consequently, there were few parts of the exploders which were universal in design and common to all exploders regardless of the type of launching for which they were designed. Therefore, an exploder designed for submerged launching, for example, could not be easily converted or adapted for use with torpedoes dropped from aircraft. The disadvantages inherent in such a system are readily apparent. Furthermore, the prior art torpedo exploder mechanisms failed to provide many of the safety features incorporated in the exploder presently disclosed.

This invention contemplates the provision of three basic units or sections comprising the torpedo exploder, which units are common to all exploders regardless of the type of launching for which they were designed with only minor variations in the internal components of each unit to meet the requirements of the intended use. In addition to these three basic units which comprise the torpedo exploder proper there is provided on tube-launched torpedoes a fin velocity switch which operates in connection with the safety features of the exploder to insure adequate protection for the firing vessel. This fin velocity switch is so disposed on the torpedo that it cannot be closed while the torpedo is in the tube thereby preventing the supply of current to the exploder until the torpedo has left the tube and reached a predetermined velocity in the water.

The switch base constitutes the torpedo exploder unit containing the tactical elements or intelligence features which may be provided in a variety of combinations to suit the operational requirements of different torpedoes. A casting is provided with a plurality of bores into which may be inserted plug-in replacable units as determined by the intended use, and the casting further houses the bore rod which is the principal safety feature and which is common to all the modifications of the basic design. The most usual plug-in units used in submerged launching and those which will be disclosed in detail in this application are an inertia actuated firing switch, a hydrostatic sterilizing switch which discharges the firing condenser when the torpedo drops below a predetermined depth and an emergency sterilizing switch which provides a manually operable means to discharge the condenser. Among the other units which may be utilized in the switch base are a broach switch which is operable to render the exploder temporarily sterile in the event that the torpedo broaches the surface of the water, an anti-countermine switch to prevent firing due to the shock of a countermine explosion, and a ceiling switch effective to prevent firing of the exploder if the torpedo should rise above a predetermined depth.

The second major unit of the torpedo exploder is the control unit which is detachably secured to the switch base unit by any suitable means such as dowel pins. This unit contains the firing circuit components, the electric arming motor, gear train and air dryer. The firing circuit components include a firing condenser, a bleeder resistor which continually discharges the firing condenser slowly in order to permit testing the circuit, and a rectifier and filter to supply DC voltage to the condenser. The gear train unit used to transmit power from the arming motor to the detonator rotor may be one of two types, depending upon the character of launching. ln tube-launched torpedoes it is necessary to eliminate progressive arming and therefore an intermittent motion gear train is provided, the output of which suddenly turns the detonator rotor at the end of the arming cycle. This gear train may be substituted for the direct coupling disclosed in this application which is used primarily with aircraft launched torpedoes.

The third major unit of the torpedo exploder is the arming device which contains all explosive elements including electric detonators and boosters. This arming device is designed to be shipped independently of the exploder and can be assembled only in the unarmed position. This unit is claimed and described in detail in applicants copending application entitled Arming Device For Torpedo Exploders, Ser. No. 258,974, filed Nov. 29, 1951, now U.S. Pat. No. 2,748,704, and will be detailed in this application only insofar as necessary to bring out the structural relationship between the arming device, control unit, and exploder base.

A primary object of this invention is the provision of a torpedo exploder which is easily adapted for use with a torpedo in any type of launching by constructing the exploder in three major units which contain replacable parts and further providing a fin velocity switch for use with submerged tube-launched torpedoes.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a torpedo exploder having three major units, a switch base containing the intelligence features, a control unit containing the power elements, and the arming device containing all explosive elements and further designing these units whereby they may be easily assembled and detached.

An additional object of this invention is the provision of a torpedo exploder having numerous safety features such as a bore rod which retains the detonator rotor in the unarmed position until the torpedo has travelled an appreciable distance from the firing ship.

A still further object of this invention is the provision of a fin velocity switch in connection with a torpedo exploder which will prevent the transmission of power to the exploder until the torpedo has gained a predetermined speed in the water.

Still another object is the provision of a torpedo exploder comprising three sections, one of which is the switch base which is provided with a plurality of bores into which may be plugged any desired combination of tactical elements.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a torpedo showing the location of the exploder in the warhead and the fin velocity switch in a horizontal tail vane;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the tail section of the torpedo showing the fin velocity switch;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the fin velocity switch in the closed position with certain parts shown in section;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view along the line 4-4 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the exploder showing units disassembled;

FIG. 6 is a block wiring diagram of the firing circuit;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the exploder along the line 7-7 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the exploder base unit;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the bore rod locking means;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the hydrostatic sterilizing switch;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the emergency sterilizing switch in the normal position;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the emergency sterilizing switch in the operative or closed position; and

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary sectional detail view with the rotor in armed position.

In FIG. 1 is shown a torpedo 1 having a cavity 2 in the warhead along the top centerline thereof within which is disposed the exploder 3. Surrounding the exploder is the main charge 4 which'is adapted to be ignited by the booster charge located within the exploder. A horizontal tail vane 5 is provided with a recess within which is mounted the fin velocity switch 6 which is shown in plan view in FIG. 2. This switch is provided with an arm 7 which is pivotally mounted on the outer surface of the switch housing. Integrally formed on this arm is a vane which projects normally from the arm. As the torpedo moves through the water, the pressure against the vane will cause the arm to pivot about the axis thereof thereby actuating the switch through a mechanism to be presently described. By reason of the fact that the arm 7 extends contiguously with the outer surface of the tail vane 5, the arm cannot pivot when the torpedo is in a launching tube since it abuts the inner surface of the tube.

In FIGS. 3 and 4 the arm 7 is shown in the pivoted or armed position. The arm is retained on pivot 9 by means of a spring retaining ring 11. The inner end of the pivot member 9 is provided with a thrust bearing 12 mounted within a recess in housing 13. The pivot member 9 is mounted within an aperture in a plate 14 which is held in place by means of a spring retaining ring 15. To insure a water tight fit seals or gaskets commonly known as O-rings 16 are provided between the pivot rod 9 and plate 14 and between plate 14 and housing 13. Suitably secured to the inner end of pivot rod 9 within a bore 17 in the housing is a push rod 18. The outer end of this push rod is bifurcated and provided with a roller 19 which engages a head on a plunger 21 which is made of plastic or other suitable insulating material and is slidably mounted within bore 17. This plunger is provided with an enlarged head portion 22 and extending therefrom is a reduced end portion 23. Slidably mounted on the reduced end portion is a metallic contact plate 24 and a bead 25 is formed on the reduced end portion to retain the plate on the plunger. A leaf spring 26 acts between the enlarged portion 22 and plate 24 urging the plate into contact with the head. A compression spring 27 is provided which acts between the head on plunger 21 and a bushing 28 provided within bore 17. This spring urges the plunger upwardly into contact with the roller on push rod 18. A plug 29 of suitable insulating material is secured within the mouth of bore 17 by means of a spring retaining ring 31 and an O-ring seal 30 is provided on the plug to insure a tight fit with the bore. Another O-ring seal 32 is provided on housing 13 and is disposed concentrically with O-ring 30. Mounted within the plug in spaced relation are contacts 33 which are bridged by the contact plate 24 when the switch is in the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The switch is normally in the position shown in FIG. 2 with the plunger in the raised position and the contact plate 24 out of contact with fixed contacts 33. Since this switch completes the circuit from the power supply within the torpedo to the exploder, it is apparent that there is no danger of accidental arming when the switch is in the open position. A retaining wire (not shown) may be provided to hold the arm in the open position of FIG. 2 during shipment of the velocity switch, and this wire may be kept in place until the torpedo is prepared for firing. When the torpedo is inserted in a tube prior to launching, the arm is held in the position of FIG. 2 by engagement with the inner surface of the launching tube. After the torpedo is ejected and gains sufficient speed in the water, the pressure against the vane 8 causes the arm to pivot to the position of FIGS. 3 and 4 thereby causing the contact plate 24 to bridge the fixed contacts 33 completing the circuit from the power supply within the torpedo to the exploder mechanism.

The torpedo exploder is shown in FIG. 5 and is com posed of three major sections, switch base 34, control unit 35 and arming device 36. The switch base is provided with pins 37 (FIG. 6), only one of which is shown in FIG. 5, which make electrical connection with the torpedo through suitable recesses within the torpedo body. The switch base is further provided with dowel pins 38 which are received within recesses in the control unit 35. The arming device 36 is also provided with dowel pins 39 which are received within grooves or recesses in the lower face of the control unit. It is apparent, therefore, that a torpedo explodcr has been provided which may be easily assembled and disassembled. The bore rod 40 is shown which extends from within the switch base through the control unit and engages a recess in a rotor in the arming device.

The firing circuit is shown diagramatically in FIG. 6. Leads or pins 37 are connected to an electrical supply within the torpedo. This power supply charges the firing condenser 41 through rectifier 42 and resistor 43. Condenser 44 serves to level off the voltage applied to the firing condenser. The firing condenser is bypassed by bleeder resistor 44' which discharges the condenser gradually in the event of failure of operation of the sterilizing switches. The hydrostatic switch 45 is provided with a resistor 46 in series therewith to gradually discharge the condenser in the event the torpedo sinks below a certain predetermined level. The emergency sterilizing switch is shown at 47 and provides a means for immediately discharging the condenser. The inertia firing switch 48 is connected in parallel with leads or pins 49 which are connected to an influence firing means (not shown) located elsewhere in the torpedo body. Either the influence firing means or inertia firing switch provides a means for energizing a pair of detonators 51 supported in a rotor 68. When the rotor 68 is in an unarmed position, the detonators 51 are located over a solid portion of a bottom wall 117 and when the rotor is in an armed position, the detonators are located over recesses 118 in the upper side of wall 117, while positioned directly beneath recesses 118 and separated therefrom by thin metallic walls 119 are recesses 121 containing tetryl lead-ins 122 which, in turn, abut a booster charge 123. Switches 52 serve to hold each detonator in a closed circuit when the rotor is in an unarmed position, and, when the rotor is moved to the armed position, these switches close contacts 53 and 54. Resistors 55 provide a means for shunting one detonator in the event that it fails to operate. The details of construction of the rotor and detonators and the circuit therefor are disclosed more fully in applicants copending application hereinbefore referred to.

The exploder switch base unit 34 is shown in plan view in FIG. 8. A spring ring 56 is employed to retain the base unit within the torpedo. Located within the switch base unit is a plurality of bores of varying sizes to accommodate the tactical units desired. Shown herein are the inertia firing switch 48, the hydrostatic switch 45, the emergency sterilizing switch 47, motor reversing switch 57, and bore rod 40 held within a housing 58. These units are all plug-in replacable units and are held in the switch base by means of spring retaining rings 59 of appropriate sizes.

The switch base unit, control unit and arming device are shown in section in the connected position in FIG. 7. A cylindrical cover member 61 surrounds portions of these units and with O-ring seals 62 serves to prevent moisture from entering the control unit. The control unit is provided with an arming motor 63 and reduction gear box 64 which is provided with a shaft (not shown) extending therefrom to gear 65. This gear meshes with gear 66 provided on shaft 67 which is fixedly mounted on rotor 68 within the arming unit 36. Gear 69 is further provided on shaft 67 which meshes with a gear operating a motor control switch of any well-known variety which opens the motor circuit after the arming cycle has been completed.

The bore rod 40 extends from the switch base unit 34 through the control unit 35 into a recess 71 provided in the rotor 68. This rod constitutes the primary safety feature of the exploder since it is apparent that the rotor cannot be moved to the armed position when the bore rod is engaged in recess 71. The bore rod is spring urged to a disengaged position by spring 72 which is mounted within housing 58 and acts against a collar 70 provided on the bore rod. In FIG. 9 is disclosed the means for retaining the bore rod in the engagedposition. There is provided a slot 73 in housing 58 and an aperture 74, (FIG. 7 in bore rod 40 and a locking wire 75 extends therethrough to effectively retain the bore rod in engagement with the recess in the rotor. This arming wire is removed prior to launching and is used primarily with aircraft and rack launched units. In the case of tube-launched torpedoes a latching arrangement within the control unit operated by the arming motor is substituted for the locking wire herein shown.

The inertia firing switch 48 is shown in section in FIG. 7. The interior of the housing is hemispherically shaped and lined with a conductor 76. An inertia element 77 is supported by a shaft 78 mounted on plate 79. Plate 79 is supported by flanged portions 81 of the housing and is retained in a horizontal position by spring 82 which acts between the plate and flanged portions 83 of the housing. A contact 84 suitably wired to the inertia element 77 makes electrical connection within the torpedo exploder. The conducting lining 76 of the inertia switch constitutes the other contact and it is therefore apparent that, when the torpedo is subjected to the deceleration encountered by engagement with a target, the inertia element 77, shaft 78 and plate 79 will be moved and make electrical contact with the conducting lining 76 thereby completing the circuit from the firing condenser to the detonators which is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6.

The hydrostatic sterilizing switch 45 is shown in section in FIG. 10. The housing 85 is provided with an O- ring seal 86 to ensure a water-tight fit with the switch base and is further provided with a shipping cover 87 which is removed prior to firing the torpedo. The lower end of the housing is internally screw threaded to receive an externally threaded centrally bored member 88 which is provided with an insulated bushing 89. This bushing receives a conductor 91 which extends upwardly into the interior of the housing. The upper end of the housing is recessed as at 92 to receive a rubber diaphragm 93 and cylindrically shaped member 94. The diaphragm is provided with a centrally located tube 95 which is used for filling the housing with silicone fluid 96. The lower end of the cylindrically shaped member 94 is provided with an aperture 97. A compression spring 98 serves to normally support upper contact plate 99 in spaced relation to the upper end of conductor 91. Suitably secured to the upper surface of the contact plate 99 is a bellows assembly 101 the upper end of which is secured to the cylindrically shaped member 94. It is apparent that after removal of the shipping cover the rubber diaphragm will respond to pressure increases thereby forcing the silicone fluid through aperture 97 to expand the bellows assembly which, in turn, forces the upper contact plate 99 into contact with conductor 91. The upper contact is effectively grounded through housing 85 and the torpedo body and when in contact with conductor 91 serves to discharge the firing condenser through the circuit shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6; t

The emergency sterilizing switch 47 is shown in FIG. 11 in the inoperative position and in FIG. 12 in the operative position. There is provided a housing 102 having an O-ring seal 103 to ensure a water-tight fit between the housing and switch base unit. The housing is provided with a central bore 104 within which is disposed the upper contact 105 which is provided with a U shaped end portion 106. This contact is supported in the inoperative position by a plug 107 which is held in place in the bore of the housing by crimping a flange 108 over the edge thereof. The'plug is centrally slotted as at 109 which slot is of sufficient width to receive the U-shaped lower end portion 106 of the upper contact when the upper contact is rotated through 90. Plug 107 is further provided with a central bore through which extends lower contact 111. The upper contact is urged into contact with the plug by means of spring 1 12 and is adapted to be rotated by means of operating screw 113. The end portion of the operating screw is provided with tongue 114 which extends into the U- shaped portion 106 of upper contact 105. The operating screw is further provided with an O-ring seal 115, and a lead foil plate 116 covers the upper end of the screw. When sterilization of the exploder is desired it is only necessary to puncture the lead foil plate and rotate the operating screw through 90 whereupon the U- shaped end portion of the upper contact is forced downwardly by spring 112 into slot 109 and into contact with the lower contact 11 1. The firing condenser is discharged through the upper contact and torpedo body by the circuit shown in FIG. 6.

It is seen, therefore, that an exploder mechanism has been provided which is easily adapted for any use by merely varying the components of the switch base unit, the control unit, or arming device. While only an inertia firing switch, hydrostatic sterilizing switch, and emergency sterilizing switch have been disclosed in detail, it is apparent that various combinations of components may be plugged into the switch base unit to produce any desired firing characteristics. The switch base unit, control unit and arming device are provided with interfitting dowel joints so that the exploder mechanism may be easily assembled and disassembled.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

l. A torpedo exploder comprising, in combination, a base unit having bores therein, hydrostatically controlled switch means disposed in one of said bores, inertia actuated firing means disposed in another of said bores, a control unit detachably secured to said base unit, motor means within said control unit, gear means driven by said motor means, and an arming device detachably secured to said control unit, a rotor provided with detonators within said arming device and adapted to be moved to an armed position in response to movement of the gear means, said hydrostatically controlled switch means and said inertia actuated firing means being included in a circuit supplying an electrical charge to said detonators.

2. A torpedo exploder comprising, in combination, a base unit, hydrostatic switch means disposed within said base unit an arming unit spaced from said base unit, a control unit intermediate said units and detachably secured thereto, electrical power means within said control unit, a rotor provided with detonators within said arming unit and operatively related to said electrical power means, said rotor being adapted to be moved by operation of said electrical power means for placing said detonators in an armed position, and a circuit including the hydrostatic switch means within the base unit for supplying an electrical charge to the detonators.

3. Firing means for a torpedo comprising, in combination, an exploder mechanism and a fin velocity switch, said exploder comprising a base unit, switch means disposed within said base unit, a control unit detachably secured to said base unit, power means disposed within said control unit, a power circuit for energizing said power means, an arming device detachably secured to said control unit, explosive elements normally in an unarmed position disposed within said arming device and having an electrical circuit including said switch means, said power means adapted to move said explosive elements to an armed position, said fin velocity switch comprising fixed contacts, said contacts being included in said power circuit, a movable contact plate spring urged to a position out of contact with said fixed contacts, and means responsive to water pressure adapted to move said contact plate into contact with said fixed contacts whereby said power circuit is completed and said power means is energized.

4. In a firing circuit for a torpedo, a fin velocity switch comprising a housing having a bore therein, a pair of fixed contacts secured in spaced relation within the mouth of said bore, a plunger slidably mounted within said bore, a contact plate secured to the end of said plunger and adapted to bridge said fixed contacts, spring means normally urging said plunger to a retracted position with respect to said fixed contacts, an arm pivotally mounted on the outer face of said housing, a push rod secured to said arm contacting that end of said plunger remote from said contact plate, and a vane secured to the outer face of said arm and projecting normally therefrom, said vane being responsive to water pressure as the torpedo moves through the water to pivot the arm thereby causing said push rod to depress said plunger so that said contact plate bridges said fixed contacts.

5. An exploder mechanism for a torpedo comprising a base plate, hydrostatic switch means within said base plate, a control unit detachably secured to said base plate, power means disposed within said control unit, an arming devicedetachably secured to said control unit, a rotor mounted for rotation within said arming device and carrying detonators, said rotor being adapted to be moved from an unarmed to an armed position by said power means, a circuit including said switch means for supplying an electrical charge to said detonators, said rotor having a recess therein, a bore rod slidably mounted within said base plate and extending through the control unit into the recess in said rotor whereby the rotor is effectively held in unarmed position until the bore rod is moved to a releasing position.

6. In a firing circuit for a torpedo exploder mechanism, a fin velocity switch comprising a housing having a bore therein, apair of contacts fixedly mounted in said housing in spaced relation and having portions thereof projecting within the bore, a contact plate movably mounted within said bore and adapted to bridge said fixed contacts, an arm pivotally mounted on the outer surface of said housing, a vane projecting normally from said arm and responsive to water pressure to move said am, and means responsive to movement of said arm to move said contact plate into contact with said fixed contacts whereby a circuit within said torpedo exploder mechanism is completed.

7. Means for exploding a torpedo, said means comprising, in combination, an exploder mechanism'and a power circuit including a fin velocity switch, said exploder mechanism comprising an electrical circuit having a pair of terminals adapted to be connected to said power circuit, said fin velocity switch comprising a housing having a bore therein, a pair of contacts fixedly mounted within said housing in spaced relation and having portions thereof projecting within said bore, a contact plate movably mounted within said bore and adapted to bridge said contacts, an arm pivotally mounted on the outer surface of said housing, a vane projecting normally from said arm and responsive to water pressure to move said arm, and means responsive to movement of said arm to move said contact plate to a position bridging said fixed contacts for closing said power circuit.

8. In a torpedo having a recess in a horizontal tail surface, a fin velocity switch comprising a housing adapted to be received in the recess, said housing having a bore therein, a plug made of insulating material in the mouth of said bore, a pair of contacts fixedly mounted in spaced relation in said plug and extending therethrough, a plunger slidably mounted within said bore, a contact plate disposed on an end of said plunger adapted to bridge said fixed contacts, spring means urging said plunger to a position out of contact with said fixed contacts, an arm pivotally mounted on the outer surface of said housing, a vane on said arm and disposed normally thereto, and a push rod within said bore responsive to movement of said arm and contacting that end of said plunger remote from said contact plate whereby said vane and arm move said push rod in response to water pressure created by movement of said torpedo andsaid push rod depresses said plunger so that said contact plate bridges the fixed contacts.

9. A torpedo exploder mechanism comprising, in combination, a switch base unit including a plate, an inertia actuated firing switch disposed within a bore in said plate, hydrostatically controlled switch means detachably mounted within a bore in said plate, a bore rod supporting collar disposed in a bore in said plate, dowel pins projecting from said switch base, a control unit having recesses therein receiving said dowel pins whereby the switch base and control unit are detachably assembled, power means including an anning motor mounted within said control unit, reduction gearing mounted on said control unit and operatively connected to said arming motor, an arming device detachably connected to said control unit and adapted to receive an explosive train including detonators, a

detonators and operatively connected to said reduction rotor within said arming device adapted to receive the gearing whereby said rotor may be rotated by said power means from an unarmed to an armed position, said rotor being provided with a recess, and a bore rod slidably mounted within said bore rod supporting collar in the switch base unit and extending through said control unit into the recess in said rotor whereby said rotor is effectively held against rotation until said bore rod is disengaged from said recess.

10. A sectional torpedo exploder mechanism comprising, in combination, a switch base unit, a plurality of pins disposed on said switch base unit adapted to be received in recesses within the body of the torpedo whereby said exploder is connected to a power source within the torpedo, dowel pins on said switch base unit, a control unit provided with recesses receiving said dowel pins whereby said switch base unit and said control unit are detachably connected, power means within said control unit, an arming device detachably connected to said control unit, said arming device provided with an explosive train including detonators, a rotor mounted wi hm said arming device housing said detonators, said rotor being operatively connected to said power means whereby upon energization of said power means from said power supply said detonators and rotor are rotated to an' armed position to align the explosive train.

11. A torpedo exploder mechanism comprising, a base unit, said base unit having an aperture therein, a control unit detachably secured to said base unit, power means within said control unit, an arming device detachably secured to said control unit, a rotor mounted within said arming device and having detonators and a recess therein, said rotor being operatively connected to said power means whereby said detonators may be moved from an unarmed to an armed position, an elongated rod mounted in the aperture in said base unit and extending through said control unit into said recess for maintaining said rotor immobile, spring means normally urging said rod to a disengaged position with respect to said rotor, and an arming wire detachably secured to said rod and adapted to retain said rod in engagement with the rotor whereby said rotor cannot be moved to the armed position until said arming wire is disengaged from said rod. 

1. A torpedo exploder comprising, in combination, a base unit having bores therein, hydrostatically controlled switch means disposed in one of said bores, inertia actuated firing means disposed in another of said bores, a control unit detachably secured to said base unit, motor means within said control unit, gear means driven by said motor means, and an arming device detachably secured to said control unit, a rotor provided with detonators within said arming device and adapted to be moved to an arMed position in response to movement of the gear means, said hydrostatically controlled switch means and said inertia actuated firing means being included in a circuit supplying an electrical charge to said detonators.
 1. A torpedo exploder comprising, in combination, a base unit having bores therein, hydrostatically controlled switch means disposed in one of said bores, inertia actuated firing means disposed in another of said bores, a control unit detachably secured to said base unit, motor means within said control unit, gear means driven by said motor means, and an arming device detachably secured to said control unit, a rotor provided with detonators within said arming device and adapted to be moved to an arMed position in response to movement of the gear means, said hydrostatically controlled switch means and said inertia actuated firing means being included in a circuit supplying an electrical charge to said detonators.
 2. A torpedo exploder comprising, in combination, a base unit, hydrostatic switch means disposed within said base unit an arming unit spaced from said base unit, a control unit intermediate said units and detachably secured thereto, electrical power means within said control unit, a rotor provided with detonators within said arming unit and operatively related to said electrical power means, said rotor being adapted to be moved by operation of said electrical power means for placing said detonators in an armed position, and a circuit including the hydrostatic switch means within the base unit for supplying an electrical charge to the detonators.
 3. Firing means for a torpedo comprising, in combination, an exploder mechanism and a fin velocity switch, said exploder comprising a base unit, switch means disposed within said base unit, a control unit detachably secured to said base unit, power means disposed within said control unit, a power circuit for energizing said power means, an arming device detachably secured to said control unit, explosive elements normally in an unarmed position disposed within said arming device and having an electrical circuit including said switch means, said power means adapted to move said explosive elements to an armed position, said fin velocity switch comprising fixed contacts, said contacts being included in said power circuit, a movable contact plate spring urged to a position out of contact with said fixed contacts, and means responsive to water pressure adapted to move said contact plate into contact with said fixed contacts whereby said power circuit is completed and said power means is energized.
 4. In a firing circuit for a torpedo, a fin velocity switch comprising a housing having a bore therein, a pair of fixed contacts secured in spaced relation within the mouth of said bore, a plunger slidably mounted within said bore, a contact plate secured to the end of said plunger and adapted to bridge said fixed contacts, spring means normally urging said plunger to a retracted position with respect to said fixed contacts, an arm pivotally mounted on the outer face of said housing, a push rod secured to said arm contacting that end of said plunger remote from said contact plate, and a vane secured to the outer face of said arm and projecting normally therefrom, said vane being responsive to water pressure as the torpedo moves through the water to pivot the arm thereby causing said push rod to depress said plunger so that said contact plate bridges said fixed contacts.
 5. An exploder mechanism for a torpedo comprising a base plate, hydrostatic switch means within said base plate, a control unit detachably secured to said base plate, power means disposed within said control unit, an arming device detachably secured to said control unit, a rotor mounted for rotation within said arming device and carrying detonators, said rotor being adapted to be moved from an unarmed to an armed position by said power means, a circuit including said switch means for supplying an electrical charge to said detonators, said rotor having a recess therein, a bore rod slidably mounted within said base plate and extending through the control unit into the recess in said rotor whereby the rotor is effectively held in unarmed position until the bore rod is moved to a releasing position.
 6. In a firing circuit for a torpedo exploder mechanism, a fin velocity switch comprising a housing having a bore therein, a pair of contacts fixedly mounted in said housing in spaced relation and having portions thereof projecting within the bore, a contact plate movably mounted within said bore and adapted to bridge said fixed contacts, an arm pivotally mounted on the outer surface of said housing, a vane projecting normally from said arm and responsive to water prEssure to move said arm, and means responsive to movement of said arm to move said contact plate into contact with said fixed contacts whereby a circuit within said torpedo exploder mechanism is completed.
 7. Means for exploding a torpedo, said means comprising, in combination, an exploder mechanism and a power circuit including a fin velocity switch, said exploder mechanism comprising an electrical circuit having a pair of terminals adapted to be connected to said power circuit, said fin velocity switch comprising a housing having a bore therein, a pair of contacts fixedly mounted within said housing in spaced relation and having portions thereof projecting within said bore, a contact plate movably mounted within said bore and adapted to bridge said contacts, an arm pivotally mounted on the outer surface of said housing, a vane projecting normally from said arm and responsive to water pressure to move said arm, and means responsive to movement of said arm to move said contact plate to a position bridging said fixed contacts for closing said power circuit.
 8. In a torpedo having a recess in a horizontal tail surface, a fin velocity switch comprising a housing adapted to be received in the recess, said housing having a bore therein, a plug made of insulating material in the mouth of said bore, a pair of contacts fixedly mounted in spaced relation in said plug and extending therethrough, a plunger slidably mounted within said bore, a contact plate disposed on an end of said plunger adapted to bridge said fixed contacts, spring means urging said plunger to a position out of contact with said fixed contacts, an arm pivotally mounted on the outer surface of said housing, a vane on said arm and disposed normally thereto, and a push rod within said bore responsive to movement of said arm and contacting that end of said plunger remote from said contact plate whereby said vane and arm move said push rod in response to water pressure created by movement of said torpedo and said push rod depresses said plunger so that said contact plate bridges the fixed contacts.
 9. A torpedo exploder mechanism comprising, in combination, a switch base unit including a plate, an inertia actuated firing switch disposed within a bore in said plate, hydrostatically controlled switch means detachably mounted within a bore in said plate, a bore rod supporting collar disposed in a bore in said plate, dowel pins projecting from said switch base, a control unit having recesses therein receiving said dowel pins whereby the switch base and control unit are detachably assembled, power means including an arming motor mounted within said control unit, reduction gearing mounted on said control unit and operatively connected to said arming motor, an arming device detachably connected to said control unit and adapted to receive an explosive train including detonators, a rotor within said arming device adapted to receive the detonators and operatively connected to said reduction gearing whereby said rotor may be rotated by said power means from an unarmed to an armed position, said rotor being provided with a recess, and a bore rod slidably mounted within said bore rod supporting collar in the switch base unit and extending through said control unit into the recess in said rotor whereby said rotor is effectively held against rotation until said bore rod is disengaged from said recess.
 10. A sectional torpedo exploder mechanism comprising, in combination, a switch base unit, a plurality of pins disposed on said switch base unit adapted to be received in recesses within the body of the torpedo whereby said exploder is connected to a power source within the torpedo, dowel pins on said switch base unit, a control unit provided with recesses receiving said dowel pins whereby said switch base unit and said control unit are detachably connected, power means within said control unit, an arming device detachably connected to said control unit, said arming device provided with an explosive train including detonators, a rotOr mounted within said arming device housing said detonators, said rotor being operatively connected to said power means whereby upon energization of said power means from said power supply said detonators and rotor are rotated to an armed position to align the explosive train. 